Commissioners in Pembroke Pines took the first step Wednesday towards cracking down on squatters. Commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance that would make property owners responsible for getting water or sewer accounts for their rental houses.

A 23-year-old man who recently moved into a $2.5 million mansion using an obscure real estate law is in good company: a $4.6 million oceanfront mansion is among other foreclosed properties to risk being taken over by squatters.